DePuy Hip Replacement Recall

Have you had a hip replacement?

Are you suffering from symptoms including pain, inflammation, loose hip cups, metal poisoning or allergic reactions to metals?

Then you could possibly be suffering from a faulty hip replacement issued by DePuy. If you feel you have any of the symptoms listed above or have had a DePuy Artificial Surface Replacement then you could be entitled to a claim.

DePuy Hip Replacement

At present the current number of hip replacements that the NHS provides is in excess of 70,000 implants every year, with a further 5,000 more people not knowing they require a replacement.

DePuy is an Artificial Surface Replacement and is generally issued to younger patients as it still allows original bone tissue to be retained.

In 2009 it was raised that the product DePuy ASR hip implant was prone to failures. Johnson and Johnson, who are a subsidiary of DePuy, recalled all hip implants in early 2010 as a result of the possible ocean of claims they could be subject to from suffering patients.

It is estimated that around 20,000 patients of hip replacements were in fact given the DePuy ASR implant, with hundreds being affected in Merseyside.

How has the implant failed?

The implant was poorly made, as it has been found that the device erodes the tissue around the area and in the more extreme cases, metal flaking of the new joint has built up causing debris to form around the joint.

The metal flaking or rubbing of the two surfaces can cause Metallosis, which is a condition where small amounts of chromium and cobalt can be released into the blood stream,. This can cause reactions including rashes, headaches, nausea and nerve damage. It goes without saying that this would undoubtedly cause excruciating pain to the patient and has resulted in the total recall of all DePuy replacements.

"I have had a DePuy replacement and it's not affected me!"

Many patients won't feel any different or feel any effects. However, it has been found that sufferers have experienced a range of distressing symptoms, including tumours, excruciating pain and loss of sensation in parts of their legs.

One sufferer had stated that, "It's like constant leg cramps times 100" and some even felt as though they were close to ending their own lives.

What to do if you have had a DePuy replacement

If you have had a hip replacement and you know that you have been given a DePuy Artificial Surface Replacement you are advised to go to your local General Practitioner or NHS Centre to obtain a blood test as soon as possible. This applies even when you are feeling healthy, fit, and well.

Some hospitals have X-rayed the hip in order to see if there are problems but unfortunately the problem here is that it the X-ray cannot clearly show that the rubbing of the metal surfaces causes Metallosis.

If you are unsure whether you have had a DePuy replacement then simply call in at you your nearest health centre and obtain a blood test.

Can I make a claim?

With thousands of patients worldwide who have been affected, millions of pounds of compensation could be given out across the United Kingdom. A Claimant has three years in which to claim for negligence, or a breach of duty where the claim consists of or includes a claim for personal injury. For people subject to a DePuy Artificial Surface Replacement, this would be a claim for medical negligence. The three years start from the date on which the Claimant gained knowledge about the medical negligence.

At Hattons we are dedicated to fight your case and ensure that you, the claimant, get 100% of the compensation.